Olivier Giroud: I’m already better than Robin van Persie at Arsenal

Olivier Giroud has pointed out that he’s already a bigger hit at Arsenal than Robin van Persie was in his debut season in England, and insists there’s even more to come.

The Frenchman, 26, has failed to convince all sections of the Emirates faithful since his £12million summer move from Montpellier, but with 14 goals to his name this season, he’s already surpassed the ten-goal mark Van Persie laid down in 41 appearances back in 2004-05.

‘I do not know of an attacker who is not interested in his numbers,’ Giroud told L’Equipe.

‘Since the beginning of the season, I registered 14 goals and given 11 assists.

‘For the first season… It’s better than the beginning Van Persie had, even though when he arrived at Arsenal, he was younger.’

Robin van Persie’s transfered to Manchester United (Picture: PA)

Giroud struggled to get off the mark for the Gunners early on, and many questioned the wisdom of recruiting a relatively unproven hitman to replace the goals of Van Persie, who left for Manchester United.

But since bagging his first league goal against West Ham in October, Giroud has gone from strength to strength, and has five goals in his last four games.

‘It’s all going to plan, but I know I can do better,’ Giroud told Le Parisien. ‘I have room to improve, which means I can be more ambitious.

‘I have matured in my mind. I have also learned a lot, in particular with my back to goal. I control the ball more when I receive it and I read the situation.

‘I am fortunate to have a coach (Arsene Wenger) who I can talk to and share things with. Recently we made a video and he talked me through how I can improve. On the pitch we know what we are doing. There is a trust and communication between us.’